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Certification system takes quantum leap forward

By Barry Chipman
TCA Tasmania
Last week there was the launch of the Australian first achievement of FSC certification for natural forest by Peter & Ann Downie for their Central Highlands property Lagoon of Islands. TCA welcomes this great achievement as it provides a big confidence boost for timber families, as it demonstrates that FSC certification is an achievable goal for all involved in the management of Tasmania’s forest and tree farm estate.
And the good news continues with the FSC pre assessment revision processes commenced for Norske Skog, and the initial FSC pre assessment started last week for Gunns Ltd. TCA is engaged with both processes as a supporting stake holder.
Both these pre assessment processes are being conducted by internationally respected Smartwood Asia Pacific.
TCA has been informed by the assessment team that there will be a number of public meeting opportunities early this coming week, for the public to provide initial input to Gunns application . It goes without saying that this is a great opportunity that we should take up if possible to provide support to this important process being undertaken by Gunns. (FSC certification will be important for the Bell Bay pulp mill selling pulp at a premium into the world market. A open invitation from the Assessment team is attached with times, dates and locations for the public meetings.

For any one unable to open the attachment the meetings are as follows:

Hobart, Tasmania, MONDAY, JULY 12
Location: MERCURE HOBART
156 Bathurst Street Hobart TAS 7000
Open House: 430 to 600 pm
Public Meeting: 700 to 900 pm

Launceston, Tasmania, TUESDAY, JULY 13
Location: MERCURE LAUNCESTON
3 Earl Street, Launceston, TAS, 7250
Open House: 430 to 600
Public Meeting: 700 to 900